What to do in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is gearing up for Ramadan Season 2025, a traditional festival that brings communities together through culture, food, and festivities. Returning for its third edition, the event will take place in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, filling the cities with the spirit of the Holy Month. This year’s theme, “Our Nights Have Returned,” promises vibrant celebrations across key locations. In Riyadh, expect Olaya Street and The Ghadeer Walkway to glow with lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by موسم رمضان (@ramadanseasonsa) Over in Jeddah, the Corniche will be...

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made it easier for pilgrims from the Gulf region to perform Umrah by expanding access and streamlining the process. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now perform Umrah at any time of the year, entering the Kingdom through land, air, or sea ports. All pilgrims are required to obtain an Umrah permit through the official Nusuk application. The same applies to those who wish to pray in Rawdah Al Sharifah, the revered chamber in the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. The move is part of broader efforts to enhance the pilgrimage...

This June, Riyadh is hosting an exciting event that combines fun and a good cause. The "For Tomorrow" musical play will take place from June 20th to 22nd at Princess Nourah University's Blue Hall. It's a family-friendly event designed to entertain people of all ages while promoting important social values. The special part about this show is that all the money raised from the play will be donated to the Sanad Association, which supports children with cancer. This means that by attending, you will not only enjoy a great show but also help children in need.     View this...

Saudi Arabia continues to attract global icons, and this time it’s none other than Hans Zimmer, the legendary composer behind some of the most iconic film scores. The maestro has been invited to reimagine the Kingdom’s national anthem, “Aash Al-Malik” (Long Live the King), originally composed in 1947 by Egyptian musician Abdul Rahman Al-Khateeb. Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, revealed plans for the collaboration. “We discussed several future projects that I hope will come to fruition soon, including rearranging the Saudi national anthem with different instruments,” he shared. But this isn’t all. Hans Zimmer’s involvement with Saudi...

Riyadh’s culinary scene just got to a whole new level with the opening of Che Figata, the latest Italian restaurant already welcoming guests at the luxurious Fairmont Hotel. Under the leadership of Chef Rino Serra, the restaurant brings authentic Italian flavors, blending tradition with innovation.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Laura - لَورا | Expat family | Riyadh | Daily Stories (@laura_in_saudiarabia) Che Figata, meaning “how cool” in Italian, is inspired by the picturesque landscapes of Piedmont, Tuscany, Calabria, and Sicily, the menu offers a journey through Italy’s culinary heritage. Expect to indulge in...

Looking for something special to do this winter? Wonder Hills Festival is the perfect choice! Returning to Dareen Hills in Jubail, this festival is set to light up the night and bring the whole family together for an unforgettable experience. Imagine walking through a landscape full of glittering lights, glowing sculptures, and interactive art that invites you to be a part of the magic. The event promises to be more than just a visual treat. Expect towering arches, shimmering pathways, and art pieces that tell their own stories as you explore. It’s a place where every turn holds something new...

Boutique brand Earth Hotels is preparing to make a splash in the Middle East hospitality scene. With a strong focus on design, sustainability, and lifestyle experiences, the brand is set to open four new properties across the UAE and Saudi Arabia by 2027. Each location brings a unique concept — from mangrove retreats to party-ready beach resorts. Here’s what’s coming up. Earth Mangroves in Umm Al Quwain, UAE Opening in 2025, this eco-conscious resort is nestled within Umm Al Quwain’s lush mangroves. The property will feature: 41 free-standing bungalows, including waterfront units Nature-based activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, yoga, and...

Looking for an exciting outdoor event in Riyadh? The Sand Dunes Festival is happening on March 14-15, 2025, at Sand Sports Park on Sports Boulevard, and it's completely free to attend! Whether you're into cycling, running, or just looking for a great family day out, this festival has something for everyone. The festival takes place at the newly opened Sand Sports Park, a 20-square-kilometer outdoor space located southeast of King Khalid International Airport, and a part of large-scale linear park in Riyadh. Night Cycling on Friday, March 14 Kick off the festival with a thrilling night ride! The cycling event...

Saudi Arabia is making big moves in the luxury fashion world, and Riyadh is at the center of it all. With the city’s fashion scene rapidly expanding — especially with Riyadh Fashion Week gaining momentum — major brands are taking notice. Now, Balenciaga has opened its largest flagship store in the world, right in the heart of the Saudi capital. The new store is located on the Ground Floor of Solitaire Mall, between Christian Dior and Bottega Veneta stores, making it a fitting home for the high-end fashion house. Covering 483 square meters, the space embraces Balenciaga’s signature industrial aesthetic....

Saudi Arabia is taking rail travel to the next level with the launch of Land Bridge, a massive high-speed rail project that will connect the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf. Spanning about 1,500 kilometres, it will link Jeddah on the west coast to Dammam on the east, passing through Riyadh in between. Once complete, Land Bridge will turn long road trips into quick, comfortable journeys. Imagine that the travel time between Jeddah and Riyadh will take less than four hours by train (instead of 12 hours by car). Often called a “desert miracle,” Land Bridge is one of the...